Whitefish Lake Rustic Campgd & Timber-Frear Area

Star4.67
11 reviews
Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, Superior National Forest, Minnesota
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,686 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 10 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Superior National Forest site

Official Website
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Whitefish Lake Rustic Campgd & Timber-Frear Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees required for camping at either the rustic campground or the backcountry sites.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS
Provider
(218) 663-8060SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"User reviews emphasize the quiet and remote nature of the campground, its suitability for stargazing, and the lack of modern facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Whitefish Lake Rustic Campgd & Timber-Frear Area

Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Driving directionsFrom MN 61 northeast of Schroeder: Between Schroeder and the entrance to Temperance River State Park, turn inland on FR 343 (Temperance River Rd.). Drive 4 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The '600' Road). Turn left, drive 1 mile to FR 346. Turn right on FR 346. Drive 5.5 miles to FR 170 (The Grade). Turn left on FR 170. Drive 2 miles to FR 348 (Whitefish Lake Access). Turn right on FR 348. Drive 4.5 miles to Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground.
Access roads involve a combination of forest roads (e.g., FR 343, FR 346, FR 170, and FR 348). While the roads reach the campground, navigating them could be challenging for larger or oversized vehicles due to the narrower and rustic conditions. The campground is designed for carry-down boat access only.
Nearby places
Schroeder (distance not explicitly provided)
Nearby supplies
Closest supply locations or detailed distances not provided
recommended to carry sufficient supplies, including potable water, as no drinking water is available directly on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Whitefish Lake Rustic Campgd & Timber-Frear Area

From the awakening forests of mid-May through the golden days of October, Whitefish Lake transforms with the seasons. Early spring campers witness nature's rebirth amid crisp mornings that may still whisper of winter's frost, while summer brings gentle warmth perfect for paddling adventures, punctuated by refreshing afternoon rains that keep the forest lush and alive. As autumn approaches, the wilderness prepares for its winter slumber with increasingly cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Open May 10–Oct 1; summer offers longest daylight, warmer temps and peak access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Noted 'golden days of October'—likely excellent for fall colors and quieter visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 10; early spring can be crisp and variable, but nature is awakening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 10–Oct 1; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely summer months, between May 10 and October 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 10 through October 1.
  • Current Alerts: None noted in provided information.

About Whitefish Lake Rustic Campgd & Timber-Frear Area

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground, where three tranquil lakeside campsites offer a true back-to-basics experience without the crowds or fees. For those seeking deeper solitude, paddle your canoe through pristine portage routes to discover 11 hidden backcountry sites scattered across this remote paradise, each promising your own private slice of northern Minnesota's wild heart.
Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground offers both rustic and backcountry camping options. The rustic campground includes three sites accessible by vehicle, whereas the backcountry sites are accessible only by canoe and are first-come, first-served. There are no fees for any of the campsites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days allowed

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a range of outdoor activities, including non-motorized boating, lake fishing, and scenic viewing. The interconnected lakes make this area ideal for canoeing and exploring. The environment is also conducive to quiet stargazing on clear nights.
FishingLake fishing is available. Campers are reminded to pack out all fish remains.
Boating"Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground and the Timber-Frear Area includes a 3 site rustic campground and 11 backcountry campsites scattered on 5 lakes. These lakes, along with four others, are interconnected with portages to form an excellent canoe route and camping experience." Only non-motorized boating is supported.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLake water must be treated before use. The remote location requires packing out all waste, including fish remains.
Active AlertsNone noted in provided information.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Whitefish Lake Rustic Campgd & Timber-Frear Area

Reviews

4.7
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Whitefish Lake Rustic Campgd & Timber-Frear Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the quiet and remote nature of the campground, its suitability for stargazing, and the lack of modern facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

"Very quiet area with awesome opportunities for star gazing on clear nights."
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of flushable toilets was highlighted: "Another review claimed there was a flushable toilet, which is definitely not accurate. There is a vault toilet near the parking area, and I would...
Show more
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own toiletries and be prepared to pack out all waste. Canoeing is highly recommended to explore the interconnected lakes.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from May 10 to October 1, and weather conditions suggest that summer is the best season for visiting due to longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very quiet area with awesome opportunities for star gazing on clear nights." Another user stated, "There is a vault toilet near the parking area, and I would recommend bringing your own toiletries."
Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specify which of the three rustic or 11 backcountry sites are preferred.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No detailed user reviews about pet experiences are provided, but the campground allows dogs and provides guidelines for their management.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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